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In the spring semester, the dance department faculty auditions, casts, and choreographs the annual faculty dance production. The faculty create new works in all the disciplines taught through the dance department (ballet, jazz, tap, and modern).
Students audition at the beginning of the spring semester. They audition for any number of choreographers, and if elected they may participate in a maximum of two pieces, with the exception of freshmen who may be cast in only one piece. Those who cannot audition at the stated time need to contact the choreographer to arrange an audition time. The final casting is a full faculty effort. There is no guarantee that you will be cast in a piece, regardless of your year in school. Once casts are determined, rehearsal schedules are assigned. Rehearsal times are exclusive of scheduled class times. All cast members are expected to adhere to the final schedule. This may require remaining on campus through the winter break period at the discretion of each faculty choreographer.
The professionally run dance concert offers a great opportunity
for learning about dance production and professional work ethics in the
most visible and popular performance opportunity on campus. The production
is enhanced by the talents of professional costume and lighting designers
and staged at the Knickerbocker Theatre.
dANCEpROjECt
Directed by Steven Iannacone, dANCEpROjECt (formally
known as Aerial Dance Theater), founded in 1986, is a resident company
of Hope College.
It is
a repertory
company that offers selected students the opportunity to work with recent
graduates of the dance department and professionals. dANCEpROjECt presents
seasonal performances at the Knickerbocker Theater and in the surrounding
communities.
InSync Dance Theatre
InSync Dance Theatre (IDT), directed by
Amanda Smith-Heynen, founded in 1997, is also a resident company
of Hope College. It is a tap and jazz repertory company that features
selected
students,
Hope graduates, and other professionals. IDT presents a seasonal
performance at the Knickerbocker Theatre and many small performances
in the surrounding
communities.
Strike Time
Strike Time is a touring student dance company under
the tutelage and direction of Linda Graham and Nicki Flinn. The students
involved develop a unique script and choreograph short works for the
script in
the various dance disciplines to provide K-6th grade children a learning
experience and exposure to dance. The company provides students with
an opportunity to learn about company dynamics and responsibilities,
as well as a firsthand experience in teaching young children.
Sacred Dance
Interested students may audition to work under the guidance
of Maxine DeBruyn in creating and performing sacred dance in chapel
and area churches.
Musical Theater
The theater department offers other opportunities for performing in the genre of musical theater. Interested students may audition for these productions and further expand their performance skills in dance and song.
During one given year, students may only perform in either
dANCEpROjECt or IDT. Non-students must make a commitment to one company,
but may guest perform with the other.
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